Moonshot Mentor with Laverne McKinnon

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comImagine feeling confident in your decisions, knowing they're guided by a sense of inner knowing rather than fear. Understanding the difference between instinct and intuition is key.While instinct is rooted in fear and survival, intuition taps into your deeper wisdom to help you make decisions that align with your true purpose and open yourself up to more meaningful opportunities for growth.In this week’s blog, I explore how to distinguish between instinct and intuition and offer practical steps to strengthen your connection with that deeper voice so you can make decisions that propel you forward.

It’s Black Friday, a day all about deals and opportunities—and for producers, the financing landscape is much the same: a crowded market full of options, each with its own promises and potential challenges. Securing financing isn’t just about finding the right people to pitch; it’s about understanding a spectrum of models that can make or break your project.Crowdfunding, for example, can be a great way to generate buzz and secure partial or full funding, while gap financing leverages a film’s unsold rights to raise funds. Equity financing gives investors a stake in the film, meaning they need to be paid back before filmmakers see a profit. Grants and loans each offer unique benefits and limitations, depending on the project’s focus and goals. And that’s just the beginning—there are many paths, from co-productions to negative pickup deals, each with its own nuances.In the Moonshot Mentor Mastermind Producer Group and Moonshot Mentor Hybrid Producer Group, we’ll explore these financing models together, helping members determine which options align best with their projects and how to leverage each one effectively. Think of it as finding your way through the Black Friday of film financing—a crowded space with a lot to navigate, but much easier with a group of like-minded producers by your side.If tackling financing alone has felt overwhelming, consider exploring these groups. Both are application-based to ensure a curated, committed cohort of peers dedicated to seeing projects through. you can learn more about the Mastermind here and the Moonshot Hybrid Producer Group here.Next week, I’ll talk about the resilience needed in this role — a skill set that goes hand-in-hand with the ups and downs of securing financing. But if you’re ready to dive into strategic financing with a community, consider applying now.If you like what you’re reading, please subscribe or share. It will help me reach my moonshot of 5000 subscribers. 🙌🏾  Questions? Would you like additional support in accessing resilience? I offer private coaching sessions as well as in-person and virtual group work. Reach out directly here to set up a complimentary consultation.If you’re resonating with what you’re reading, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. What’s that mean?* You’ll receive weekly blogs with tools and resources to help you reconnect with your resilience after experiencing a professional loss or failure so you come back even stronger in your career.* These newsletters are available to read, listen or watch — I’m a big believer in accessibility for all. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also watch on YouTube.* Be in conversation with me and a beautiful, supportive community through comments, threads and chats.* Access to the full archive of posts. * Early bird 20% premium discount for in-person workshops and retreats.My blog aims to help people achieve their ambitious goals, their moonshot if you will. 😃 Oftentimes, though, we neglect an essential aspect of pursuing our dreams: the inevitable missteps, obstacles, and failures that come our way. Failing to acknowledge and process these losses properly can lead to imposter syndrome, burnout, low self-esteem, confusion, and even result in completely abandoning our dreams. 😟  That's why I strongly advocate for embracing grief awareness (along with other tools like values identification, knowing your why, sharpening executive function, habit forming, and more.) By doing so, we can effectively navigate challenges, regain motivation, and hit our moonshots. ✌🏾️ If you know someone who could benefit, please share this newsletter or recommend me to them. 🙏 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Awe is the feeling of amazement and wonder. Awe brings fresh eyes to the familiar and can connect you with inspiration, hope and gratitude. It feels like a lovely topic for Thanksgiving week. 🦃 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Building a strategic plan isn’t just a box to check—it’s a foundation that keeps you aligned with your vision and purpose. Strategy is your north star, keeping you on course, while tactical planning brings it to life. In the Moonshot Mentor Mastermind Producer Group and Moonshot Mentor Hybrid Producer Group, we’ll dive deep into both. From identifying your financing model to crafting a targeted pitch deck, these groups help you create a roadmap to move from concept to production, backed by a supportive community.If you’re ready to create a plan that brings your project to life, learn more and apply today. Both groups are carefully curated to ensure a committed, like-minded peer circle. 🌟 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

As the end of the year draws near and the holidays approach, you’ve probably heard the common belief that everyone’s winding down, checking out, and putting networking on hold. But is that really the case? 🤔 While some may be pausing their efforts, others might be quietly taking this time to make meaningful connections or set up future opportunities. So, the real question isn’t what everyone else is doing—it’s about what you want to do in terms of networking. By understanding your personal mindset and how it shapes your networking approach, you can make decisions that align with your goals and values. Whether you choose to network now or take a break, having clarity on your motivation will guide you toward the right choice. In this week’s post, I explore how your mindset influences your networking and how to make the most of this time—whatever your choice may be. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

n my work as both a producer and a leadership coach, I know how much grit film producing demands—balancing strategy, financing, team management, and constant adaptability. It’s a role that often feels isolated, with high barriers to entry and limited transparency. That’s why I’m launching the Moonshot Mentor Mastermind Producer Group and Moonshot Mentor Hybrid Producer Group—two application-based groups where producers can share insights, support each other, and gain clarity around the challenges we all face.If you’re a producer or a multi-hyphenate creator looking for real connection and a like-minded circle, you can learn more about the Mastermind here and the Moonshot Hybrid Producer Group here. Let’s make this industry a little more transparent and a lot more supportive. ❤️ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

Taking a pause this week with my regular blog and blogcast to share some tender feelings post election. When life feels heavy, I retreat to my cave, reconnect with my core values, and take small steps to find hope. I was inspired by Brene Brown’s post over the weekend about despair. If you're navigating sadness or despair, take a moment to reconnect with what sustains you. Write down your values, and take one small step to honor them. Sending love as we find our way back to hope. 🌱🖤 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comWhen you think about your career, do you ever find yourself stuck in uncertainty? Whether it’s waiting for feedback on a project or wondering if you'll get that promotion, uncertainty can feel paralyzing. It’s tempting to fill the silence with stories that explain the unknown, but what if those stories are holding you back?In this week’s blog, I’ll show you why we make up stories, how uncertainty can stop you from advancing professionally, and what you can do to break free from the cycle of doubt.

Stop the presses! I’ve got another deadline insight that a client shared with me: aggressive deadlines can actually be your secret weapon for creativity and growth. I was dubious, but she talked me through it and I get it! By setting challenging deadlines, you can push yourself beyond the boundaries of perfectionism and unlock new levels of creativity and efficiency.Dive into this week’s blog to discover how adopting aggressive deadlines can reframe your relationship with failure and boost your creative process.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moonshotmentor.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit moonshotmentor.substack.comHave you ever felt like your work and personal life are a constant balancing act? It can feel impossible to keep everything steady without falling off track.But what if finding balance isn’t about standing perfectly still? What if it’s more like riding a wave—making minor adjustments to stay afloat rather than trying to stick a perfect landing? In this week’s blog, you’ll discover that proper balance requires flexibility, not rigidity. And we’ll even try out a simple exercise to help you make subtle, powerful adjustments in both your personal and professional life.